For people who are residing in the UAE illegally, the two-month visa amnesty program that begins on Sunday, September 1st, is a great chance to either regularize their residency status or leave the nation without having to pay fines.
There will be no overstay consequence or exit cost, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Those who choose to depart the nation will not be barred from entering again as long as they have the appropriate documentation.
All visa categories, including tourist and expired resident visas, are covered by the amnesty program. Amnesty is also available to those who were born without documentation, allowing them to change their status. You can also apply if you fled or stole from your sponsors. On the other hand, anyone who entered the nation unlawfully is not qualified to seek amnesty.
According to the UAE, the amnesty program encourages “social cohesion, tolerance, respect for the law, and compassion.” Via simple and flexible procedures, it gives those who have violated their residency or visa status the chance to rectify their status. Additionally, it gives people the ability to legally live and work in the nation or to assert their rights and leave safely.
Here is further information and all the data you require on the visa amnesty program for the UAE:
Who Is Eligible To Apply For Amnesty?
- Anybody in violation of residency or a visa, including visitors and tourists
- Those whose UAE resident visa has expired
- Relatives of the sponsor whose visa has expired
- Individuals who escaped or disappeared from their sponsors
- Any foreign national born in the United Arab Emirates whose parents or guardians have not registered their residence within four months of the child’s birth.
Duration, Eligibility, Cost, Ban, and Fine Exemptions
The authorities confirm that the amnesty program will run for two months beginning on September 1 until October 30, 2024. Also, the ICP has clarified that individuals who entered the UAE illegally will not be eligible for the visa amnesty program. The applicable UAE laws will continue to apply to them.
After September 1, 2024, those who violated their residency or visa will not be eligible to seek amnesty. Amnesty applications are not accepted from people who have deportation proceedings pending in the UAE or any other GCC nation, nor from people who will be given an absconding case after September 1.
Sameway, there won’t be a ban stamp on a violator’s passport as they can depart in UAE after settling their status without facing any administrative obstacles that would prevent them from going back. If their visas are still valid, they can reenter the UAE.
Removing a visitor visa and relocating will not result in any penalties. For people who wish to legitimately leave the UAE, there won’t be any exit passes or departure taxes. Additionally, there is no fee for people who wish to change their status as residents. Five penalties and fees will be waived in total. Being in the country illegally does not result in an administrative fine. Additionally, there are no penalties for having an expired UAE national ID or for failing to provide a work contract or renew one.
READ MORE: UAE Visa Amnesty 2024: Ways To Replace Lost Passport and Avoid Fines By October 31
Where To Apply For UAE Visa Amnesty?
Every emirate has a unique center. Amnesty services will be available in all Amer centers in Dubai as well as at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai center in Al Awir. ICP centers may be found in Al Dhafra, Al Maqa, Al Shahama, and Suwaihan, Abu Dhabi.
Extended hours will be observed at service centers from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., during which time biometric fingerprinting will be taken. Applications for amnesty can also be filed at ICP locations around the remaining United Arab Emirates.
Online service applications are accessible around the clock. Except in cases where they are required to appear for biometric fingerprinting, applicants can submit through approved typing centers, ICP electronic and smart channels, and service centers without having to visit any centers.
And what if, in case you lost your passport? Where will you apply for amnesty? To obtain a travel document in Abu Dhabi, submit an application using the ICP smart system. Before issuing a travel document, some emirates could demand that an affidavit of loss be submitted to the general police command of that relevant emirate. If all the information matches the details in the visa, individuals who wish to exit the country can also utilize the travel document issued by embassies and consulates.
READ MORE: Know More About The UAE Visit Visa Extension Rules – 2024
What Is The Duration Of The Exit Permit’s Validity? Is It Possible To Extend It?
A permit or exit pass is only good for 14 days following release. If you don’t leave during the 14-day grace period, all fines and limitations will be automatically reimposed.
After their status has been resolved, the visa violation will be free to exit the nation without facing any administrative obstacles that would prevent them from returning; hence, their passport will not bear a ban and they will be able to re-enter the UAE with a valid visa.
What Happens If The Family Head’s Visa Is About To Expire?
Family members are free to depart the nation or change their status if necessary. The visas of other family members under him will be revoked and they will be permitted to depart if the head of the household (the father) decides to travel with his family. On the other hand, if the children want to change their status, they can do so with the mother if she is employed, or following the terms of the work visa.
The other family members’ residency will change if the head of the household modifies his visa.
What Will Be The Services Provided By ICP & Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization
The ICP will be responsible for:
- Granting permissions to depart
- Extending a resident visa
- Granting a foreign national who has recently been born a residence visa
- Granting a new visa (for residence or employment)
- Re-adjusting a valid visa’s status
- Granting residency permits to those who violate their employment and residency visas
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization will be responsible for:
- Granting permissions for work
- Extending work permits
- Revoke work permits
- Filing complaints about work stoppages
Please take note that the ICP will proceed to change the status of people who overstayed in the case that a particular company is subject to limitations. If residents who violate residency laws encounter difficulties in adjusting their status with their employment, Mohre will work together to make the process easier.